this is my essay
When my parents returned to Taiwan for work shortly after our family immigrated to the U.S., my younger sister and I, 17 and 15, were left to manage daily life independently. I suddenly became the leader of our small household, responsible for ensuring we stayed on track emotionally, academically, and practically during a difficult transition. This is one of the great responsibilities of leadership that I’ve never imagined. I created daily routines for us, balancing schoolwork, meals, and chores while supporting my sister emotionally.
One of the first lessons I learned about life in the U.S. was that mistakes can happen, and how you respond to them matters most. Not long after moving here, my sister and I unknowingly parked our car in a restricted area. We had no idea until we returned from visiting a friend’s house to find the car was gone. Neither of us knew what to do, and the unfamiliarity of the rules, combined with being in a new country, made it even more overwhelming. My sister immediately burst into tears, overwhelmed by the situation and the uncertainty of what to do. I felt the weight of responsibility, knowing I needed to stay calm and also take care of my sister’s emotions.
Thankfully, our friend’s dad stepped in, calmly called the towing company, and helped us track down the car. While he handled the logistics, I focused on comforting my sister, assuring her that everything would be okay. This experience taught me two important lessons, the value of staying calm under pressure and the importance of asking for help when you need it. I also realized that leadership isn’t always about solving the problem yourself—it’s about supporting others and working as a team.
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